Stanford University’s new School of Sustainability is taking heat for its ties to Brunswick Group, a PR firm known for its affiliation with major oil and gas entities. This alliance is causing concern among environmental activists, who question the ability of the sustainability-focused school to maintain its commitment to environmental preservation while entangled with a firm representing major greenhouse gas emitters.
Increasing angst on campus has led to protests against the school’s connection to fossil fuel companies such as Exxon, Chevron, and Shell. Members of the university community demand transparency and insist Stanford sever its ties with these corporations, advocating instead for a more ethically-aligned climate policy. Critics of the university’s relationship with these companies are concerned that the school’s commitment to sustainability is being compromised by profit-driven business interests.
Amanda Campos, a sophomore at Stanford, voiced her concerns about the school’s financial dealings. As a School of Sustainability student advisory council member, Campos represents the Coalition for a True School of Sustainability—a group dedicated to ending the acceptance of fossil fuel donations.
Stanford’s sustainability school under fire for oil connections
Campos is firm on her stance that accepting such donations undermines the principles of sustainability, the foundation on which the school was established.
The School of Sustainability defends its partnership with Brunswick, stating the alliance is intended to bolster its public image, address reputational challenges, and develop an effective PR strategy. Also part of its strategy is leveraging Stanford’s influence to address stakeholders’ concerns. Brunswick’s experience in the energy sector and influence in shaping discussions around gas will enable the School to redefine its sustainability narrative, highlight the importance of student perspectives, and convey a balanced message.
Despite these efforts, critics including Campos and Duncan Meisel of Clean Creatives—the organization advocating creative agencies to cut ties with fossil fuel companies – accuse Brunswick of greenwashing. They argue that partnering with a company that represents big fossil fuel enterprises signals a superficial commitment to sustainability.
In response, both the School of Sustainability and Brunswick highlight their shared aim: to help businesses transition to renewable energy using scientific methodologies. They also stress the importance of incorporating student perspectives in their plans. They argue that this partnership is essential to the advancement of meaningful, effective sustainability efforts, highlighting the role of the school in providing research support and innovative ideas to fuel Brunswick’s initiatives.
